Neutrophilia corresponds to an increase in the number of neutrophils in the blood, which can be indicative of infections and inflammatory diseases or just be an organism's response to stress or physical activity, for example.
Neutrophils are the blood cells responsible for the defense of the organism and can be found in greater quantities when compared to lymphocytes and monocytes, for example, which are also responsible for protecting the organism. Ideally, neutrophil values should be between 1500 to 8000 / mm³ of blood, with values above the reference value indicative of neutrophilia.
The amount of neutrophils can be assessed using the WBC, which is a part of the blood count in which neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils and eosinophils are evaluated. Learn how to understand the white blood cell result.
The main causes of neutrophilia are:
1. Infections
Due to the fact that neutrophils are responsible for the defense of the body, it is common to observe a large increase in the number of neutrophils during an infection, especially during the acute phase of the infection. The increase in the number of neutrophils does not cause symptoms, however when neutrophilia happens as a consequence of infection, it is common for symptoms related to the disease, such as fever that does not pass, abdominal pain, headache, tiredness and weakness, for example.
What to do: In order to determine the most appropriate treatment for the infection, the doctor needs to evaluate the result of other parameters indicated by the blood count, as well as the result of biochemical, urine and microbiological tests. From the moment the cause of the infection is identified, the doctor can indicate the best antibiotic, antiparasitic or antifungal to treat the infectious agent, in addition to also being able to indicate medications to relieve the related symptoms and, thus, favor the person's recovery.
2. Inflammatory diseases
Inflammatory diseases are those that cause an exacerbation of the activity of the immune system as a result of inflammation in some organ. This causes not only an increase in neutrophils but also in other blood components, such as basophils in the case of ulcerative colitis, for example.
What to do: In these cases, treatment is done according to the cause of the inflammation, but the use of anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve symptoms and a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as turmeric, garlic and fish, for example. Know some anti-inflammatory foods.
3. Leukemia
Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects blood cells and, in some cases, an increase in the number of neutrophils can be seen. In this disease, signs and symptoms may appear that can be confused with those of other diseases, such as weight loss without apparent cause, excessive tiredness and water in the neck and groin. Here's how to recognize the symptoms of leukemia.
What to do: It is important that the leukemia is confirmed by the doctor through the evaluation of all the parameters of the complete blood count and observation of the blood slide under the microscope, in addition to being able to request a biopsy, computed tomography or myelogram, for example.
If there is confirmation of leukemia, the hematologist or oncologist should initiate the most appropriate treatment for the person according to the type of leukemia, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy or bone marrow transplantation may be recommended.
4. Stress
Despite not being frequent, neutrophilia can also happen as a result of stress, and it can be an attempt by the body to maintain the proper functioning of the immune system in these situations.
What to do: To relieve symptoms related to stress, it is important to adopt activities that promote relaxation on a daily basis, such as Yoga, walking and meditation. In addition, it may be interesting to seek help from a psychologist to identify situations that increase the level of stress and, thus, deal with them better.
5. Practice of physical activities
Neutrophilia due to the practice of extensive physical activities is considered normal, and is not a cause for concern. However, when neutrophilia is persistent, it is important that the person goes to a consultation with a general practitioner or hematologist so that the cause of the change can be investigated.
What to do: As it is a physiological process, no treatment is necessary, it is only recommended that the person rest for muscle recovery to happen correctly, in addition to maintaining good eating habits. Know what to do to recover muscle tissue and avoid fatigue.
